Mobile Surveillance System

ABSTRACT

A mobile pan and tilt camera and display-control apparatus comprising a fully rotatable camera mounted to a vehicle for capturing images, a display-control box having an image display screen and control buttons for controlling said camera and its movement attached to an adjustable mount in said vehicle within an operator&#39;s view and reach, an image capture box for storage on various recording media or for transmission of said captured mobile images, said captured mobile images are sent by radio frequency transmission to a data storage server for a consumer to access. A preferred embodiment includes further comprising a mount that incorporates a quick disconnect mechanism along with a locking mechanical base and an electronic signal connector for easy camera installation and removal. A preferred embodiment includes further comprising a double locking mechanism where one mechanism is a security fastener.

This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No.09/059,077, filed Apr. 9, 1998

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of surveillance camerasystems, and more particularly to an apparatus and process for capturingimages by mobile security guards.

Pan and tilt mechanisms for pointing cameras are old as dirt. From theintroduction of the wheel, applying a pan and tilt camera system tomoving vehicles has been limited. The operation of moving vehicles hasevolved and now the opportunity for the addition of augmented vision canbe utilized by the vehicle operator for various applications like mobilepatrol guard image acquisition or improved driver safety. Thistechnology started in August of 1977 with the incorporation of acathode-ray tube and video camera on a tripod between the seats of anautomobile. Tests were conducted and videotapes were produced through1980. The project was rekindled in 1996 by using a traditional closedcircuit TV (CCTV) hard-mounted to a roof-rack and facing forward with a10″ TV monitor inside the cab for camera display. From thisconfiguration and testing, the present invention was developed.

The following patents show prior attempts at various camera and controlsystems but none show the inventive combination described in ourinvention.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,932 ‘Camera Crane’—Crane mounted camera for motionpicture and television industry. Not applicable to mobile environmentnor for patrol guard image capture.U.S. Pat. No. 5,526,041 ‘Rail-Based CCTV Surveillance System withAutomatic Target Acquisition’—Similar to track-lighting systems withcontrolled and pre-set actions with target tracking. Not applicable tomobile environment nor for patrol guard image capture.U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,290 ‘Video Security System with Motion SensorOverride, Wireless Interconnection, and Mobile Cameras’—Remote controlof several cameras from monitor that is normal television. Notapplicable to mobile environment nor patrol guard image capture.U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,330 ‘Video Incident Capture System’—Camera andrecorder mounted inside police car with wireless microphone. Indexingrecording tape such that video will not be over-written and includestamper-proofing scheme. Not applicable to vehicle exterior cameramounting and said recording means is tape where this invention digitizeseach camera frame and stores in computer based media or transmits saiddigital image to a web-based data server.U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,863 ‘Remotely Operated Camera System with BatteryRecharging System’—Remotely operated camera mounted on suspension cable.Cable drive system charges camera battery from generator attached towheels. Not applicable to mobile vehicle environment nor for patrolguard image capture.U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,675A ‘Mounting Apparatus’—Invention is for largerectangular camera systems at stationary sites. Pan and Tilt mechanismis worm gear construction. Flexible adjustment of worm gear mechanicalsettings. Not applicable to mobile vehicle environment nor for patrolguard image capture.U.S. Pat. No. 5,079,634 ‘Apparatus for Wireless-Controlling a Camera andApparatus for Two-Direction Simultaneous Control of Electrically-DrivenEquipment’—Apparatus for wireless controlling of a camera andtwo-directional control protocol. Not applicable to mobile vehicleenvironment nor for patrol guard image capture.U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,335 ‘Observation and Recording System for a PoliceVehicle’—Video Camcorder mounted to dashboard of Police car. Automaticpositioning of FOV from cooperative transmitter/receiver and includesaudio from inside car or on the body of officer outside the car. Powersupply variation from self contained battery to an electrical supplyfrom car. ‘Handy cam-corder’ mounted inside vehicle does not enable bestfield of regard (FOR) nor is it ruggedized for external vehicle mountingabove the roof and outboard the vehicle's side.U.S. Pat. No. 4,937,675 ‘Remote Viewing Apparatus’—Remotely operableoptical viewing apparatus with pan and tilt mechanisms with extremeposition slip clutch. Not applicable to mobile vehicle environment norfor patrol guard image capture. Our invention includes a novel slipclutch.U.S. Pat. No. 4,910,591 ‘Side and rear viewing apparatus for motorvehicles’—Camera behind exterior mirrors with CRT(s) mounted ininterior. Not applicable to mobile vehicle environment nor for patrolguard image capture.U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,218 ‘Camera Support and Housing’—Combination ofsurveillance camera, pan and tilt mechanism, and spherical housing. Notapplicable to mobile vehicle environment nor for patrol guard imagecapture.U.S. Pat. No. 4,709,897 ‘Surveillance Camera Mount’—Unique andstationary camera mount. No pan and tilt mechanism and not applicable tomobile vehicle environment nor for patrol guard image capture.U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,170 ‘Camera Mounting Bracket’—A housing andmechanism for lifting the cover for camera maintenance. No pan and tiltmechanism and not applicable to mobile vehicle environment nor forpatrol guard image capture.U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,886 ‘Surveillance Camera Mount’—Unique pan and tiltstationary camera mount. No pan and tilt mechanism and not applicable tomobile vehicle environment nor for patrol guard image capture.U.S. Pat. No. 4,474,439 ‘Camera Support’—Multiple camera and supportequipment mounting apparatus for motion picture and television filmproduction trucks. No pan and tilt mechanism and not applicable tomobile vehicle environment nor for patrol guard image capture.U.S. Pat. No. 4,310,136 ‘Backlash-Free Swivel and Tilt Mounting’—Complexmechanical pan and tilt backlash mechanism. Our invention is free ofcostly and additional mechanical components to overcome discernableimage distortion from gear backlash or vibration. The field of view iselectronically spatially corrected from accelerometer information thatis applied in a control feedback loop.U.S. 00D340,940S ‘Combined Camera Mount and Camera Housing’—Uniquedesign and not applicable to mobile vehicle environment nor for patrolguard image capture.U.S. 00D295,628 ‘Electronic Control for Video Monitoring System’—Uniqueenclosure design and not applicable to mobile vehicle environment norfor patrol guard image capture.U.S. 00D273,012 ‘Surveillance Camera Housing’—Unique design and notapplicable to mobile vehicle environment nor for patrol guard imagecapture.

A camera with a fixed field of view and focal length lens is mountedinside a police vehicle at the front windshield rear-view mirror lookingforward. The camera signal is stored on VHS tape in real time (NTSCstandard format). Brochure attached.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is a Mobile Pan and Tilt Camera anda Display-Control apparatus for patrol security, safe vehicleoperations, and hazard avoidance.

Another object of the invention is rugged design and construction fordurable, reliable operation, and long life in rough environments.

Another object of the invention is a simple pan and tilt mechanism withfewer parts and lower costs to manufacturer.

A further object of the invention is a slip-clutch mechanism that isrugged and has few parts that enable low cost.

A further object of the invention is said mobile pan and tilt cameramounts at any angle and is not sensitive to gravity.

Yet another object of the invention is Electronic Image Stabilizationovercomes pan and tilt gear backlash pointing error during vibration andsaves cost of additional mechanical components to do same function.

Still yet another object of the invention is said mobile pan and tiltcamera mounts to typical automotive roof rack systems.

Another object of the invention is said mobile pan and tilt camerasystem mounts to typical automotive emergency lightbar systems.

Another object of the invention is said mobile pan and tilt camerasystem has mechanical and electrical ‘quick and easy’ disconnectmechanism for security and ease of installation.

A further object of the invention is said mobile pan and tilt cameramounts to various brackets for stationary applications.

Yet another object of the invention is said mobile pan and tilt cameraincorporates near moisture free system for all weather conditions toavoid fogging of the optics and condensation forming on the cameraelectronics.

Still yet another object of the invention is Camera power supply heatsink stabilizes enclosure temperature and is made from laminateddissimilar metals and bends towards the metal enclosure as the cameracavity heats up and the bimetal primary heat sink touches the enclosurefor significant additional heat sinking when the temperature isexceeding the operational set point.

Another object of the invention is said mobile display-control forpatrol security, safe vehicle operations, and threat avoidance.

Another object of the invention is said mobile display-control has sixdegree of freedom mounting system for best individual viewing angleadjustment and can be operated with a single hand for easy and safeoperation in a moving vehicle.

A further object of the invention is said mobile display-controlincorporates control of pan and tilt, zoom, focus, autofocus,stabilization, and display brightness and can be operated with a singlehand for easy and safe operation in a moving vehicle.

Yet another object of the invention is an Image Capture Box for storageof mobile images on various recording media and archives mobile patrolguard route and services.

Still yet another object of the invention is said image capture box'scapacity for temporary mobile image storage and for radio frequencytransmission of said mobile images to a data storage server for aconsumer to access.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, anembodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

A mobile pan and tilt camera and display-control apparatus comprising afully rotatable camera mounted to a vehicle for capturing images, adisplay-control box having an image display screen and control buttonsfor controlling said camera and its movement attached to an adjustablemount in said vehicle within an operator's view and reach, an imagecapture box for storage on various recording media or for transmissionof said captured mobile images, said captured mobile images are sent byradio frequency transmission to a data storage server for a consumer toaccess.

A process for viewing a scene with a mobile pan or tilt cameracomprising the steps of: mounting a camera to a vehicle for capturingmobile images, displaying said images on an image display screen,controlling said camera position from within said vehicle, capturingsaid images in an image capture box for storage and transmission of saidcaptured mobile images, transmitting said captured mobile images byradio frequency transmission to a data storage server for furtherprocessing, and providing said captured mobile images on internet serverfor official or consumer access.

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects ofthe invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate anunderstanding of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of some of the elements of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mobile pan and tilt camera mounted toa Thule® brand roof rack.

FIG. 3 is a two dimensional, multiple view of said mobile pan and tiltcamera showing pan and tilt flexibility, form factor, and mechanical andelectrical quick disconnect system.

FIG. 4 is a pictorial view of an expanded set of elements of theinvention.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the image data server.

FIG. 6 is a partial exploded view of the Thule® brand roof rack mountinghardware that mates with said mobile pan and tilt camera.

FIG. 7 is a side view cutaway of the mechanical and electricalconnect/disconnect mechanisms.

FIG. 8 is a cross section of said mobile pan and tilt camera's camerahousing showing thermal and moisture control systems.

FIG. 9 is a multiple view drawing of a mobile display and controlsystem.

FIG. 10 is a multiple view drawing of pan and tilt invention.

FIG. 11 is a functional diagram of pan and tilt mechanism, camera, fieldof view and field of regard diagram, and electronic backlash-freesystem.

FIG. 12 is an alternate embodiment of said mobile pan and tilt cameramounted to said rack.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of said mobile pan and tilt camera mountedto a typical light bar assembly used on patrol security vehicles andemergency vehicles.

FIG. 14 is an alternative mounting assembly for a Yakima® brand roofrack system.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a six degree of freedom adjustmentmechanism for said mobile display and control system.

FIG. 16 is a top view drawing of the clamp used in said six degree offreedom adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the tilt assembly along with across-sectional view of the component interaction.

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the pan assembly along with across-sectional view of the component interaction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein.It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may beembodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed hereinare not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for theclaims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the artto employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailedsystem, structure or manner.

FIG. 1 shows a mobile pan and tilt camera (20) that is attached to anelectro-mechanical mount (mounting assembly) (22) and is interconnectedelectrically by a cable (29) to a display-control apparatus (21). Saiddisplay-control (21) is attached to an adjustable yoke (26) such thatwith a single hand, one can adjust the viewing angle of saiddisplay-control (21) by moving a yoke lever (25) from a lock position toan unlock position and back to said lock position. Said adjustable yoke(26) is attached to a goose neck (27) where the base of the gooseneck issupported by a bracket (28) that is bolted to a vehicle. Single handmovement of said display-control (21) of said adjustable yoke (26) andsaid gooseneck (27) enable vehicle operator to position said display tothe best viewing angle. Imagery from said mobile pan and tilt camera(20) is displayed on said display and control (21) and can also torouted to additional equipment by an auxiliary video cable (24)connected to said display-control (21) at a spare connector (118). Bothsaid mobile pan and tilt camera (20) and said display-control (21) aresupplied electrical power from the vehicle by a power cable (23).

Said mobile pan and tilt camera (20) is mounted to the top of a vehicle(50) achieving the best open field of regard and viewing angles whereelectronic imagery can be captured, magnified and presented to theoperator for improved vision. Mobile patrol guards can apply said mobilepan and tilt camera (20) and display-control (21) to improve theirvisual capabilities when performing their duties.

FIG. 2 shows said mobile pan and tilt camera (20) comprised of a camerahousing (32) attached from one side to a pan housing (33) that iscoupled to a camera base (34). Said camera base (34) can be easilyplaced or removed from said mounting assembly (22). Said mountingassembly (22) incorporates a roof-rack specific mounting bracket (60)that securely attaches to a roof-rack support bar (52). Said roof-rackbar is supported by a roof-rack mount (51) that is fastened to a vehicleroof (50). Said camera housing (32) incorporates a threaded portal (31)that accepts a commercially available filter or protective optic element(30). From use of said mobile pan and tilt camera (20) in hostileenvironments, the said protective optic element (30) can be easilyreplaced by material available in common photography shops. Said mobilepan and tilt camera (20) locks to said mounting assembly (22)automatically from a ball-pin plunger assembly (36) engaging a referencehole (69) in said mounting assembly (22). A second locking and securityfastener (35) is hand activated by turning said fastener (35) clockwiseto secure and counterclockwise to release.

In FIG. 3 there are six views that show said mobile pan and tilt camera(20) and its pan angle, tilt angle, and mounting features. FIG. 3 a is aside view of said mobile pan and tilt camera (20) at zero pitch anglereference. FIG. 3 b is a side view of said mobile pan and tilt camera(20) at +90 degree pitch angle. FIG. 3 c is a side view of said mobilepan and tilt camera (20) at −20 degree pitch angle. FIG. 3 d is a frontview of said mobile pan and tilt camera (20) at zero pitch anglereference and shows said commercially available optic element (30). FIG.3 e is a top view of said mobile pan and tilt camera (20) at zero panangle reference. Also in FIG. 3 e it can be seen that said camerahousing (32) and said pan housing (33) can move clockwise 225 degreesand counterclockwise 135 degrees and from this rotational flexibility,enable said mobile pan and tilt camera (20) to view complete horizon or360 degrees. FIG. 3 f is a bottom view of said mobile pan and tiltcamera (20) that shows said ball-pin plunger assembly (36) locationrelative to said security fastener (35). Also in FIG. 3 f is a slottedopening (38) on both sides of an electrical connector housing (39) thatsupports an electrical male signal connector (40) that provides thebasis of engaging said mobile pan and tilt camera (20) to said mountingassembly (22) for safe and secure mechanical and electrical mating.

FIG. 4 shows various operational configurations of the invention. Thesaid mobile pan and tilt camera (20) can be electrically connected toeither said display-control (21) by a signal cable (29) or to an imagecapture box (200) by said signal cable (29). Image display to thevehicle operator can be achieved with either above describedconfigurations from said display-control (21). In the first case, thesaid mobile pan and tilt camera (20) is connected by said signal cable(29) to said display-control where images from said mobile pan and tiltcamera (20) are shown on a flat panel monitor (100). In the second casesaid mobile pan and tilt camera (20) is connected by said signal cable(29) to said image capture box (200) and a video signal cable (24) isconnected to said display-control (21) where images from said mobile panand tilt camera (20) are shown on a flat panel monitor (100). Pointingdirection of said mobile pan and tilt camera (20) is accomplished fromvehicle operator activation of a set of pan control buttons (102 a & 102b) and a set of tilt control buttons (103 a & 103 b). Other cameracontrols and actions described below enable vehicle operator to achievehigher vision performance than capable from natural eyesight within theconfines of said vehicle. Another configuration of the invention isconnecting said video signal cable (24) to a video recorder (212) thatis housed in a steel security box (210) from either said display-control(21) or said image capture box (200) where said steel security box canbe padlocked at a security tang (211). Said security box (210) and saidvideo recorder (212) enable said mobile pan and tilt camera (20) imagesto be archived. Still another configuration of the invention isconnecting said video signal cable (24) to a laptop computer (220)through a PCMCIA Frame Grabber card (221) from either saiddisplay-control (21) or said image capture box (200) where said PCMCIAFrame Grabber card (221) digitizes video images from said mobile pan andtilt camera (20) and said laptop computer (220) can store the imagesinternally, and/or display images, and/or transmit images by means of aPCMCIA modem card (222). The transmission of images from either saidlaptop computer (220) or said image capture box (200) can beaccomplished on a network or by wireless means. Practical application ofthis invention by mobile patrol guards would be the configuration ofsaid mobile pan and tilt camera (20) connected to said display-control(21) via said signal cable (29) for image presentation on said flatpanel monitor (100) and video images are routed to said image capturebox (200) via said video signal cable (24) where some or all imagesselected by the operator are sent from said image capture box (200) bywireless means from an antenna (201) mounted on the patrol guard vehicleto an image vault (234) for official and customer review. Said imagecapture box (200) is comprised of a computer, a video frame grabber, astorage media like RAM and hard drive, and an RF modem.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the practical implementation ofdistribution of images from said mobile pan and tilt camera (20). Videoimages (single frame picture, few picture frames, or full motion pictureframes) are transmitted from said image capture box (200) and receivedby said image vault (234). Transmitted images are collected by wirelessmeans at a receiving antenna (230) where the signal is filtered by aRadio Frequency Decoder (231), converted to a digital format and thentransmitted by a modem (232) via land lines to said image vault (234).People that hire mobile patrol guards can now view images of theirfacilities by using a computer (237) attached to a like said modem (232)and connecting via a land line (233) and the internet to said imagevault (234) where after validating inquiry credentials, customerfacility images are transmitted from said image vault to said customercomputer (237) and displayed. Additional, but not a complete list, ofusers of captured mobile images include a police officer (238) or a firedepartment official (239), or an internet world wide web subscriber(240) can access said image vault (234) via like said modems (232).

FIG. 6 shows said mounting assembly (22) with the specific embodimentdrawn to fit a Thule® brand roof rack bar (52). Said Thule® roof rackbar (52) has a rubber coating (70) on the outside surface. Said mountingassembly (22) is comprised of a lower clamp (60) that closely conformsto form and size of said Thule® roof rack bar (52). Said lower clamp(60) incorporates ridges (72) that seat in said rubber coating (70) whena mounting plate (68) along with a weather seal plate (63) are securedwith six screws (67) and provide a secure and tight adherence to saidThule® roof rack bar (52). On each side of said mounting plate (68) areslotted openings (71) that match said slotted openings (38) in saidcamera base (34). Said connector housing (64) incorporates an electricalfemale signal connector (65) that mates to said mobile pan and tiltcamera (20) at said electrical male signal connector (40). At the end ofsaid mounting plate (68) resides a threaded flange (66) that providesthe means for securing said mobile pan and tilt camera (20) to saidmounting assembly (22) from screwing said security screw (35) into saidthreaded flange. In said weather seal plate (63) is a locking hole (69)that accepts the end of said ball-pin plunger (36) from said mobile panand tilt camera (20) as the safety mechanical locking mechanism to saidmounting assembly (22). Said weather seal plate (63) utilizes a foamstrip (62) at the outside edge to repel moisture and dirt when saidmobile pan and tilt camera (20) is installed on said mounting assembly(22).

FIG. 7 shows the installation action required to place said mobile panand tilt camera (20) on said mounting assembly (22). Said mobile pan andtilt camera (20) is brought to said mounting assembly (22) and is offsetby the pitch of said slotted teeth (38) such that they miss said slottedteeth (71) and said mounting plate (68) moves into cavity in said mobilepan and tilt camera (20). Said mobile pan and tilt camera (20) is thenmoved relative to said mounting assembly (22) to remove offset of saidslotted teeth (38 & 71). This last sliding action engages saidelectrical male signal connector (40) with said electrical female signalconnector (65) and said ball-pin plunger (36) drops into said lockinghole (69). From operator action, said security fastener (35) engagessaid threaded flange (66) to provide secondary mechanical engagement ofsaid mobile pan and tilt camera (20) and said mounting assembly as wellas security from vandals. Said mobile pan and tilt camera (20) is nowready for operation.

Inside said camera housing (32) is a camera cavity (88) where thetemperature and humidity should be controlled to gain the bestperformance from a camera (150) and the optics. FIG. 8 is across-section drawing noted as A-A in FIG. 3 d. A temperature controlsystem is comprised of a voltage regulator (81), a bi-metal heatsink(80), and said camera housing (32). Said voltage regulator (81) providesstable electrical power to said camera (150) and from this, generatesheat as a byproduct. Said bimetal heatsink (80) provides a thermal pathfor heat from regulator to pass to the airspace of said camera cavity(88). From cold conditions in said camera cavity (88), said bimetalheatsink (80) is a distance from said camera housing (32). As saidvoltage regulator (81) and said camera cavity (88) rise in temperature,said bimetal heatsink (80) will begin to flex. The temperature set-pointfor said camera cavity (88) is determined by the size, weight, and typeof metals combined to make said bimetal heatsink (80) where, at theoptimal temperature set-point for said camera (150) and opticsoperation, said bimetal heatsink (80) flex's to engage said camerahousing (32). Said camera housing (32) is aluminum or other thermallyconductive material will provide a much greater capacity for conductingheat from said voltage regulator (81) and said camera cavity (88). Whenthe temperature in said camera cavity (88) and voltage regulator (81)begin to cool, said bimetal heatsink (80) relaxes and loses directcontact with said camera housing (32) enabling said bimetal heatsink(80) to increase in temperature and add heat to said camera cavity (88).Said camera cavity (88) is a water tight environment. Said commerciallyavailable optic element (30) is seated on a bezel o-ring (82) and saidcamera housing (32) is also seated on a o-ring fastened to a camerahousing support (89). Said camera housing support (89) is mounted to atilt shaft (84) that will allow said camera's (150) field of viewtranslate vertically. Through said tilt shaft (84) pass signal wires tosaid camera (150) from said electrical male signal connector (40). Amoisture control system for said camera cavity (88) is made up of aGoreTex® signal wire plug (85). Said GoreTex® signal wire plug (85) hasan open center (87) to accept signal wires during fabrication of saidmobile pan and tilt camera (20), a middle circular section made fromGoreTex® material designed to block water and pass vapor, and an outerring for structure and support in mounting to said tilt shaft (84). Oneof the final steps in assembling said mobile pan and tilt camera (20) isto seal said open center (87) with silicon gel or like substance toprovide moisture barrier at said open center (87). When said cameracavity (88) heats up from operation and becomes hotter than the outsideambient temperature, any water vapor in said camera cavity (88) willpass out and through said GoreTex® signal wire plug (85) leaving saidcamera cavity (88) with less water vapor. When said mobile pan and tiltcamera (20) is shut off and said camera cavity (88) cools relative toambient temperature, a reverse flow into said camera cavity (88) canoccur, but water will be blocked at said GoreTex® signal wire plug (85)and the relatively quick cool down period will allow only a minimum ofwater vapor to return to said camera cavity (88). This moisture controlsystem effectively ‘pumps down’ the water vapor in said camera cavity(88) each time the power is cycled for operation.

Images from said mobile pan and tilt camera (20) are presented to thevehicle operator at said display-control (21) from said flat panelmonitor (100). Shown in FIGS. 9 a through 9 d are design features ofsaid display-control (21). FIG. 9 a shows a perspective view of saiddisplay-control (21) that would be positioned to the right of thesteering wheel for US drivers and only the right hand is needed tocontrol said camera (150) pointing, zoom, focus, and field of viewstability, and said flat panel monitor (100) brightness. All abovementioned controls can be activated by the thumb while saiddisplay-control (21) is held by same thumb hand by the fingers in afinger grip cavity (120) and the palm against the right-outside edge ofsaid display-control (21). Said display-control (21) is comprised of apower indication light emitting diode (104) that signifies that saiddisplay-control (21) has power, a tilt up button (102 a), a tilt downbutton (102 b), a pan right button (103 a), a pan left button (103 b), azoom in button (105 a), a zoom out button (105 b), an autofocus on/offbutton (111), a manual focus near button (110), a manual focus farbutton (108), an autofocus on light emitting diode (109), a field ofstability on/off button (106), a field of stability on/off lightemitting diode (107), said flat panel monitor (100), a signal connector(117), a video signal connector (118), a power connector (119), amounting support area (121), an adjustment access for pan control speed(112), an adjustment access for tilt control speed (113), an adjustmentaccess for contrast (114) for said flat panel monitor (100), anadjustment access for color (115) for said flat panel monitor (100), anadjustment access for contrast (116) for said flat panel monitor (100),and a display-control housing (101). Pan and tilt pointing speed isdetermined by a method of touching said pan and tilt buttons (102 a, 102b, 103 a, 103 b) with single touch and hold for low speed or by quicklytouching said pan and tilt buttons (102 a, 102 b, 103 a, 103 b) twiceand holding (like ‘double clicking’ a computer mouse) for high pointingmovement.

At the center of said mobile pan and tilt camera (20) invention is a pan& tilt mechanism (FIG. 10 a-c) that is simple, few parts, rugged, andreliable. Said pan and tilt mechanism (FIG. 10 a-c) is comprised of amain support (166), a tilt assembly (156), a pan assembly (161), a pandrive gear (164), a pan drive belt (165), a pan motor (162), a pan gearreduction (163), a tilt drive gear (158), a tilt drive belt (157), atilt motor (160), and a tilt gear reduction (159). Both the pan assembly(161) and the tilt assembly (156) are bolted to said main support (166)and therefore maintain small angular misalignment error from each other.Said pan motor (162) and said pan gear reduction (163) and said pandrive gear (164) are mated and fastened to said main support (166) withsaid pan drive belt (165). Said pan drive belt (165) is put under propertension by moving said pan gear reduction (163) about a pan adjustmenthole (175). Said tilt motor (160) and said tilt gear reduction (159) andsaid tilt gear (158) are mated and fastened to said main support (166)with said tilt drive belt (157). Said tilt drive belt (157) is put underproper tension by moving said tilt gear reduction (159) in a tiltsupport slot (176). Said pan assembly (161) becomes integral to saidmobile pan and tilt camera (20) by bolting to said camera base (34) frombottom. Signal wires from said electrical male signal connector (40)pass through center of said pan assembly (161) for motor control andpass through center of said tilt assembly (156) for said camera (150)operation.

Said pan & tilt mechanism (FIG. 10 a-c) does not have any additionalparts to compensate for pointing errors and vibration due to backlashthat is present in said pan drive gear (164), said tilt drive gear(158), said pan drive belt (165), said tilt drive belt (157), said pangear reduction (162), said tilt gear reduction (159), said pan assembly(161), or said tilt assembly (156). FIG. 11 demonstrates aninertial-electronic compensation for traditional gear backlash problems.Said camera (150, Sony—Model EVI330T) is comprised of a vertical sensingaccelerometer (171) and a lateral sensing accelerometer (170). Saidcamera (150) is bolted to a camera cantilever support (155). Said cameracantilever support (155) is bolted to tilt assembly (156). Inside saidcamera (150) are image processing electronics that produce a video fieldof view (173) that is smaller than said camera's (150) total imagesensor size which is a sensor field of regard (174). Under normalconditions, said video field of view (173) is centered in said sensorfield of regard (174). Said video field of view (173) is the picturethat is displayed on said display flat panel (100). Once vibration orwind forces are introduced to said mobile pan and tilt camera (20),pointing errors can occur from gear backlash movements. Said camera(150) measures said accelerometers (170 & 171) and computes real-timespatial shifts in image sensor pointing and compensates byelectronically shifting said video field of view (175) to a differentpart of said image field of regard (174) that exactly offsets physicaldisplacement due to vibration, wind forces, and gear backlash movements.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of said mobile pan and tilt camera (20)where said camera housing (32) and the top part of said pan housing (33)are replaced with a translucent dome (260) that can act as a wind screenand when tinted, can provide hidden pointing angles of said camera(150). Said mounting assembly (22) has an improved outside form that isaerodynamic for least noise and wind resistance.

FIG. 13 shows another mounting application for emergency vehicles. Saidmobile pan and tilt camera (20) is attached to a typical vehicle lightrack (250) that traditionally is comprised of an emergency light(s)(252) and a siren (251). Said mounting assembly (22) is adapted toincorporate said lower clamp (60) with form and fit to match saidtypical vehicle light rack (250).

FIG. 14 shows another commercially available roof rack system for saidmounting assembly (22) and this specific embodiment fastens to a Yakima®brand roof rack bar (272). Said Yakima® roof rack bar (272) has a rubbercoating on the outside surface. Said mounting assembly (22) is comprisedof a lower clamp (270) that closely conforms to form and size of saidYakima® roof rack bar (272). Said lower clamp (270) incorporates aregistration pin (274) that seats in mating holes in said Yakima® roofrack bar (272) when a mounting plate (68) along with a weather sealplate (63) are secured with six screws (67) and provide a secure andtight adherence to said Yakima® roof rack bar (272). Said registrationpin (274) engages said Yakima® roof rack bar (272) and keeps said mobilepan and tilt camera (20) secure and without rotation to said Yakima®roof rack bar (272).

FIGS. 15 and 16 demonstrate the means by which said adjustable yoke (26)provide single hand adjustment of said display-control (21). A mountingbracket (134) is fastened to the back of said display-control (21) atsaid mounting support area (121). At the top of said mounting bracket(134) is a display stop pin (135). Said adjustable yoke (26) iscomprised of said yoke lever (25), a pair of locking jaws (131 and 132),an end ball (133), a limit travel screw (140), a yoke lever support bolt(138), and a yoke support nut (137). Said end ball (133) provides themeans for flexible positioning of said locking jaws (131 and 132)relative to said gooseneck (27). Said yoke lever (25) is fastened tosaid locking jaws (131 and 132) by said yoke lever support bolt (138)and said yoke lever support nut (137). Said yoke lever (25) provides anon-concentric seating (130) for said yoke lever support bolt (138).Said non-concentric seating (130) provides a cam action where saidlocking jaws (131 and 132) come together from movement of said yokelever (25). Said locking jaws (131 and 132) have a spherical cavitywhere said end ball (133) seats with loose tolerance. The face of saidlocking jaws (131 and 132) fit inside said display mounting bracket(134) by sliding face of said locking jaws (131 and 132) into the bottomof said display mounting bracket (134) until seated against said displaystop pin (135) and then moving said yoke lever (25) such that faces ofsaid locking jaws (131 and 132) separate inside said display mountingbracket (134) and hold tight said display-control (21) to said gooseneck(27).

Said tilt assembly (156) is shown in an exploded view in FIG. 17. Saidtilt assembly (156) is a single side suspension and gimbal for saidcantilever camera support (155), drive mechanism for tilting said camera(150), and functions as a slip clutch when a tilt body (168) ismechanically stopped by a tilt stop pin (167). Said tilt assembly (156)is comprised of a tilt slip adjustment ring (300), a tilt wave washer(301), a tilt gear (302), a tilt friction pad (303), a tilt body (168),a tilt bearing set (304), and a tilt support (305). Said tilt support isbolted to said main support (166). Said tilt bearing (304) is placed onsaid tilt body (168) and held in place by a C-Clip (306). Another saidC-Clip (306) is placed inside said tilt support (305) and said tilt body(168) is slid into said tilt support (305). Another set of said C-Clips(306) are placed inside said tilt support (305) and on said tilt body(168). The other said tilt bearing (304) is now placed inside said tiltsupport (305) and held in place by final set of said C-Clips (306) atsaid tilt support (305) and said tilt body (168). A tilt friction pad(303) is placed over said tilt body (168) followed by said tilt gear(302) followed by said tilt wave washer (301) and held by said tilt slipadjustment ring (300). Said tilt gear (302) is driven by said tilt beltdrive (157) which in turn rotates said tilt body (168). Said tilt gear(302) is forced against said tilt friction pad (303) by said tilt wavewasher (301). Amplitude of force is determined by the number of turnsapplied to said tilt adjustment ring (300). At the point said tilt body(168) comes in contact with said tilt stop pin (167), said tilt body(168) stops rotating. Said tilt gear (302) continues to rotate from saidtilt motor (160) by overcoming friction between said tilt friction pad(303), said tilt body (168), and said tilt gear (302) and therebykeeping said tilt motor (160) from overheating or failing.

Said pan assembly (161) is shown in an exploded view in FIG. 18. Saidpan assembly (161) is a single side suspension and gimbal for said mainsupport (166), drive mechanism for panning said camera (150), andfunctions as a slip clutch when said main support (166) is mechanicallystopped by a pan stop pin in said camera base (34). Said pan assembly(161) is comprised of a pan support (313), a pair of pan bearings (312),a pan body (311), a pan securing nut (310), a pan adjustment ring (314),a pan wave washer (315), a pan gear (316), and a pan friction pad (317).Said pan support (313) is bolted to said main support (166). The firstsaid pan bearing (312) is placed inside pan support (313). Said panfriction pad (317) is placed on said pan body (311) along with said pangear (316) and said pan wave washer (315) and secured with said panadjustment ring (314) screwed on said pan body (311) with enough forcefrom said pan wave washer (315) pushing said pan gear (316) against saidpan friction pad (317) and said pan body (311). Said pan body (311) isplaced inside said pan support (313). Second said pan bearing (312) isplaced inside said pan body (311). Said pan body (311) is secured tosaid pan support by said pan securing nut (310). Said pan gear (316) isdriven by said pan belt drive (165) which in turn rotates said pan body(311). Said pan gear (316) is forced against said tilt friction pad(317) by said pan wave washer (315). Amplitude of force is determined bythe number of turns applied to said pan adjustment ring (314). At thepoint said main support (166) comes in contact with a pan stop pin onsaid camera base (34), said pan support (313) stops rotating. Said pangear (316) continues to rotate from said pan motor (162) by overcomingfriction between said pan friction pad (317), said pan body (311), andsaid pan gear (316) and thereby keeping said pan motor (162) fromoverheating or failing.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferredembodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention tothe particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended tocover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may beincluded within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

1. A mobile pan and tilt camera and display-control apparatuscomprising: a fully rotatable camera attached to a mount assembly thatis mounted to a vehicle for capturing mobile images, said fullyrotatable camera being achieved by mounting said camera to a tiltingmechanism mounted on a panning mechanism; a display-control box havingan image display screen and controls for panning and tilting saidcamera, said display-control box being attached to an adjustable mountin said vehicle within an operator's view and reach; an image capturebox for receiving said captured mobile images.
 2. A mobile pan and tiltcamera and display-control apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidmount assembly incorporates a quick disconnect mechanism.
 3. A mobilepan and tilt camera and display-control apparatus as claimed in claim 1further comprising a double locking mechanism on said mount assemblywhere one mechanism is a security fastener.
 4. A mobile pan and tiltcamera and display-control apparatus as claimed in claim 1 furthercomprising a water seal attached to said tilting mechanism.
 5. A mobilepan and tilt camera and display-control apparatus as claimed in claim 1wherein said mount assembly is adapted to engage the roof-rack of avehicle.
 6. A mobile pan and tilt camera and display-control apparatusas claimed in claim 1 further comprising a ball-plunger for self-lockingsaid mount assembly.
 7. A mobile pan and tilt camera and display-controlapparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a security fasteneras a secondary and operator activated mechanical locking mechanism forsaid mount assembly.
 8. A mobile pan and tilt camera and display-controlapparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a singular supportfor both said panning mechanism and said tilting mechanism and separatedrive gears and slip clutches for both said panning mechanism and saidtilting mechanism.
 9. A mobile pan and tilt camera and display-controlapparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein each slip clutch comprises: arotationally free gear; a support housing for gear; a friction padco-aligned to said gear between said gear and said support housing; awave washer to apply a pressure against said rotationally free gear andsaid support housing of sufficient force to enable a motor to drive saidgear and said support housing to a point where said support housingstops rotating and said rotationally free gear breaks friction of saidfriction pad while said motor continues to drive without overheating.10. A mobile pan and tilt camera and display-control apparatus asclaimed in claim 1 further comprising a camera enclosure with bezelopening that is threaded to accept optical filters and is sealed with ano-ring for moisture blocking.
 11. A mobile pan and tilt camera anddisplay-control apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising aField of View (FOV) stabilized camera which provides an electroniccompensation to overcome mechanical gear backlash and vibration.
 12. Amobile pan and tilt camera and display-control apparatus as claimed inclaim 1 wherein said camera may be mounted at any angle with respect togravity.
 13. A mobile pan and tilt camera and display-control apparatusas claimed in claim 1 further comprising a bimetal heat sink for camerapower supply temperature control.
 14. A mobile pan and tilt camera anddisplay-control apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein said cameraenclosure is adapted to act as an additional heat sink.
 15. A mobile panand tilt camera and display-control apparatus as claimed in claim 1wherein said camera enclosure incorporates a one-way moisture passageplug with flexible and sealed passage for wires.
 16. A mobile pan andtilt camera and display-control apparatus as claimed in claim 1 whereinsaid display-control box has a set of control buttons positioned to beoperated with a single hand.
 17. A mobile pan and tilt camera anddisplay-control apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein saiddisplay-control box has a viewing angle adjustment lever positioned tobe operated with said single hand.
 18. A mobile pan and tilt camera anddisplay-control apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising anoptically clear or tinted sphere enclosing said camera.
 19. A mobile panand tilt camera and display-control apparatus as claimed in claim 1wherein said mount assembly includes an adapter plate to mate to a lightbar used on emergency and patrol guard vehicles.
 20. A mobile pan andtilt camera and display-control apparatus as claimed in claim 1 whereinsaid mount assembly is adaptable to a rail road locomotive attachment.21. A mobile pan and tilt camera and display-control apparatus asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said mount assembly includes an adapter platefor ship-board attachment.
 22. A process for viewing a scene with mobilepan or tilt camera of claim 1 comprising the steps of: mounting saidcamera to a vehicle for capturing mobile images; displaying saidcaptured mobile images on an image display screen; controlling cameraposition from within said vehicle; capturing said captured mobile imagesin an image capture box for storage and transmission of said capturedmobile images; and transmitting said captured mobile images by radiofrequency transmission to a data storage server for further processing;and providing said captured mobile images on internet server forofficial or consumer access.